One thing that has been missing from the Honda lineup for some time is the truly sporty, entry-level hatchback that they lost when they discontinued the CR-X after 1991.
The Honda hatch is back, and it’s gone hybrid.
Bengt Halvorson from The Car Connection is covering the 2011 Honda CR-Z, saying, “the production version of this sport hybrid is at last here, introduced at the Detroit auto show.”
Our first impression is that this will compete with many different vehicles from the recently introduced 2011 Ford Fiesta to the hybrid mainstay Toyota Prius. Taller than the CR-X, it will appeal to those needing headroom in ways that previous Honda 2-seaters such as the Prelude and CR-X did not.
While the styling is similar to the CR-X, the functionality is all Insight. Sporting a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and a 10-kW electric motor that assists with acceleration, its 122 hp rating will be enough to lure those looking for a little extra “oomph” in their driving.
Unlike the Prius and other hybrids, the CR-Z is not a 50+ MPG vehicle. In fact, it’s not a 40+ MPG vehicle. 37-38 MPG on the highway is all that one can expect, a trade-off for the increased power and styling associated with a sporty hatchback. As a result, Alexandria Honda dealerships don’t believe that the trade-off will be too much of a deterrent for buyers than are aching for a little more style to go along with their MPG.
The launch of the CR-Z also promises to heat up competition in the compact segment, at least among import brands. Nissan Boston has seen demand for the Sentra as it combines strong fuel economy with a low price tag and sporty available trims. But the Sentra lacks the hybrid drivetrain of the CR-Z, and therefor doesn’t enjoy the 50+ MPG.
Consumers will ultimately be drawn to the CR-Z for 2 other reasons as well. It’s attractive and it’s a Honda. Expect to see a lot of these on the road this summer.
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